The group is for people interested in local archaeology and history with talks and visits for members and the public.

IOTAS has a full programme again this year, starting with a talk and demonstration by re-enactment group Ost Centigas on the life and culture of the Anglo Saxons.

The group reproduces the clothes and weaponry of the men and women of those times with astonishing accuracy. IOTAS is hosting them on Monday, February 26 at the Lecture Hall, Crampton Tower Yard, Broadstairs.

Doors open at 7.15pm with the talk starting at 7.45pm. Everyone is welcome. Admission is £3, free to IOTAS members.

There are also talks scheduled on Underground Kent with speakers from Wessex Archaeology, Faversham and Thanet.

During the Summer IOTAS organise visits to places of interest for members and their guests . The group also runs a course of eight lectures which are open to everyone.

This year the theme is Myths and Legends, starting on March 12. The fee is £80 for the course and must be booked in advance as they are always very popular and numbers are limited.

If you are interested in practical archaeology, IOTAS occasionally organise their own digs and but members are also involved in excavations organised by other groups. They helped on the East Kent Access Road dig and last year on the Caesars Camp dig at Ebbsfleet.

More information on the programme and on how to join the Society can be found at www.iotas.org.uk or turn up to the talk on February 26.